European Union

The public law department in Paris was built upon the foundation of the solid experience acquired by the firm in the field of environmental law, given the trans-practice nature of this field of law. Winston & Strawn has thus been able to diversify its practice in the fields of planned development and urban planning/zoning by counseling businesses (notably businesses involved in major real estate projects) and also public bodies (particularly public development agencies). The department and the firm have a global approach to questions regarding land use, including environment, urban planning, rules of private occupancy, and creation of real property rights.

Within the context of the emergence of new tools associating the public and the private spheres in complex setups, such as public-private partnership (PPP), the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), the public law department is able to offer a global response to the requests of the firm's clients, whether they are public or private operators, for the setting up of such transactions. Our work on these matters involves identification of the best vehicles, feasibility studies, justification for the most complex setups, legal management of the competitive dialog, and preparation of associated legal documents. Beyond these new devices, we also offer counsel regarding more traditional setups of public and private associations, such as mixed economy companies (SEM) and public service delegations, and on all questions regarding government contracts and bidding.

Led by a member of the Council of State, the public law department enjoys a renowned operational capacity in litigation and as regulatory counsel and in all aspects of public law, and specifically in the field of regulated professions. These include professions and products subject to regulation and/or permit requirements, professions and activities under the control of independent authorities having the power to sanction.